Post on 06-Jan-2022
Honorary Award to Mr. Albie Matthews
Albie Matthews commenced dancing after he returned from Italy
after the war. He started training with a British couple who had
immigrated to South Africa – Joe and Dorrie Martin. Later he
joined the Mundah Berks and Harry Bateman Dance School,
where he was trained by Adelaide Rosenberg.
In 1957, he turned Professional. He qualified in both Ballroom and
Latin American Dancing, gaining his Licentiate in both. During his
competitive years, he was 5 times undefeated Latin champion as
well as Western Province Ballroom and Latin champion. He retired
from Competitive dancing in the 60’s having been in every final in
Ballroom and Latin American.
Mr. Matthews demonstrated an
unwavering commitment to DANCE
He worked tirelessly with Mrs. Matthews
to promote DANCE
He studied and passed his Scrutineering exam in England. He trained
and examined many of the Scrutineers in South Africa. He was the Co-
Chairman with the late Bobby Irvine at the WDC World Professional Latin
championships held in Sun City. He represented South Africa at all World
Dance Council meetings held annually in Blackpool.
He worked tirelessly for dancing right up to the time of his death. He was
deeply saddened by the split in dancing. He wanted the dancers to be
free to dance wherever and whenever they wished. He was a Champion
for Freedom to Dance. He worked on the rules and the constitution of
the then National Council. He was invited to be on the panel of
Adjudicators for the WDC World Professional Ballroom Championship
held in Wintergardens Blackpool.
Mr. Matthews championed FREEDOM TO
DANCE principles
Mr. Matthews was an Ambassador for South Africa
He invited many International couples
Mr. Matthews played a pivotal role in maintaining
good relations with the World Dance Council (with WDC President - MBE Donnie Burns)
Mr. Matthews was Founder Member of NSRI
Besides dancing, Albie had a great love of the sea. He was the Founder Member
of the National Sea Rescue Institute. He later became the National Chairman of
the NSRI. He was also President of the South African Power Boat Association.
He organized the World Power Boat Championship to be held in South Africa. He
was the South African delegate of International Motorboating Council.
Today we honour Mr. Matthews LIFETIME COMMITMENT
Mr Matthews passed away on 10 December 2007 and will be remembered for
his significant contribution to life and dance.
Honorary Award to Mrs Jessie Liddell
In 1992 the formulation of the first unified body of dance in South Africa,
bringing together four major role players, namely, two formerly white
Associations, South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA) and
Republic Dance Teachers Association (RDTA) and two formerly black
Associations, Africa Dance Academy (ADA) and Southern African
Confederation of Dance (SACODA). The mediator of this Unity was
chaired by Mr. Bill Irvine MBE from England who was invited by the North
West Government during the 1994 Rumba in the Jungle.
The completion of that Unity Talks saw the birth of the first Professional
Body of Dance called the South African National Council of Ballroom
Dancing (SANCBD) with its first President being Mrs. Jessie Liddell.
The SANCBD became the national controlling body of all professional
teachers and dancers, regardless of their continued private affiliations,
governed through one constitution and promoting dance through common
syllabi.
Mrs. Liddell was the first President of SANCBD
IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF DANCING
• 1954 Associate Cecchetti Ballet
• 1955 Associate Ballroom
• 1958 Licentiate Latin American
• 1961 Licentiate Ballroom
• 1969 Fellow Latin American
• Life Member of the ISTD
SADTA Fellow & Examiner in Ballroom and Latin American
Honorary Life Member of the SADTA and also of the SAD & DSC
Achievements
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
Successful competitive career during the 1960s with Mr.Jack Liddell, whilst living
in the U.K., and from then onwards had a good record as Teachers and coaches
in Kwa Zulu Natal.
Adjudicated in Miami and Boston, USA, a World Professional Championship in
Vienna, and also the Blackpool Professional Invitation Team Match on 4
occasions.
Main instigator of the SA Dance & Dance Sport Council, of which I was Acting
President during the formative years and then the FIRST OFFICIAL PRESIDENT.
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
Contributed to the development of dancers like
former World Champion Nicole Cutler
Today we honour Mrs. Liddell for her Selfless and
Outstanding Service to DANCE in SOUTH AFRICA